Storm signal raised in Philippines as depression intensifies

Weather forecasters in the Philippines raised storm signal N0.2 in at least five areas of Northern Philippines as a low pressure area merged with tropical depression 'Domeng' Wednesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its 5 p.m. weather bulletin said Domeng was spotted 430 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes in Northern Philippines.

Domeng packed maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is moving west at 19 kph.

The storm is expected to be 40 km east of Basco, Batanes by Thursday afternoon, and 400 km west of Basco, Batanes by Friday afternoon.

“Tropical Storm Domeng has enhanced the southwest monsoon that will generate moderate to rough seas as well as bring rains which may also trigger flash floods and landslides in other areas of the country," PAGASA said.

Last month typhoon 'Basyang' hit central Philippines leaving at least 38 people dead and close to 150,000 dislocated.

Historically the Philippines is visited by at least 20 typhoons a year along with Taiwan, Hong Kong and other neighboring countries in South Asia.

The Philippine weather agency said at least two more typhoons are expected to enter the Philippine area within the month.